Mentha puelegium (Pennyroyal) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Mentha pulegium forms a low, spreading mat of small rounded leaves with a strong, sharp mint aroma. Mauve flower whorls rise above the foliage in mid-summer, attracting pollinators and giving the plant a soft, lavender-tinted appearance. Its creeping stems root readily, creating dense groundcover when allowed to spread.

Growing conditions: Hardy in Ireland and well suited to cool, damp Atlantic conditions, pennyroyal thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moisture-retentive but free-draining soil. As a European native, it tolerates Irish winters, but is not suited to waterlogged ground. Because it spreads vigorously, it is best planted in a contained bed, pot, or an area where its creeping habit is welcome. All plants are propagated in our Co. Clare nursery.

Traditional & herbal uses: Mentha pelegium should be taken internally and is not recommended due to its potential for severe liver toxicity

Maintenance & harvesting: Harvest aerial parts throughout summer or cut stems in full flower for drying. Divide plants in spring to maintain vigour or to propagate new stock. Because pennyroyal spreads aggressively, keep it contained in pots or edged beds and cut back after flowering to maintain shape. Handle with care due to the plant’s strong volatile oils.